Page 72 of One Sweet Match Up

“Nah.” He reached for a pan and brought it over to the sink. “I’ll get a head start on these dishes.”

“Suit yourself.” She pushed open the door, and her heart dropped. Donovan was standing in her shop, back turned to her. What was he doing here?

“Ahem.” She cleared her throat.

He turned around, his lips curved up, causing her heart to race. Damn him and his sexy smile. She immediately noticed the new wire-rimmed glasses. Since when did he start wearing eyeglasses?

Maybe he got them to see the truth. Could he see through them that she wasn’t some spiteful lunatic who moved clear across the country just to get revenge?

She straightened her shoulders, glancing down at the lavender purse in his hand. What was he doing with that? She held up the soup cup and cocked her head. “I hear you have a problem with this.”

His smile widened. “It’s missing something.”

Ass.He wasn’t the only one in town that could rock chicken noodle. “As a matter of fact, I sold two large pots today, and I have you to thank for not showing up to work.”

“I deserved that. You know, you could have doubled that if you had this.” He reached inside the bag and pulled out a large yellow rubber chicken, tossing it to her, the goofiest grin on his face.

She looked down at the chicken, holding it out by its long neck. “Is this some kind of joke?”

“Yes!”

She gave him the side-eye and heaved the chicken at him. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m closed.”

“I thought you’d say that. I’ll be right back.” He opened the glass door, disappearing into the night.

Seriously? She could only shake her head. The guy doesn’t come around for days and then shows up with a rubber chicken. Maybe he’d had a few at the Buttermilk Tavern. Whatever game he was playing, she wasn’t interested. She spun on her heels for the kitchen, anger pulsing through her.

A loud meow caused her to stop in her tracks.

What was a cat doing in here?She turned to see Magic struggling to wiggle out of Donovan’s arms. At least, it looked like Emma’s cat that she’d met that night at Sheila’s.

Donovan set him down on the floor. The miffed feline sauntered over to Zoe, rubbing against her jeans. She scooped him up, petting his head. “What are you doing here?” She narrowed her eyes at Donovan. “Did you steal him?”

“Borrowed. I borrowed him from Sheila. She’s visiting with Ralph. I have to give him back.”

Zoe hugged the furry ball. “Why did you borrow him?” she asked, thoroughly confused.

“Because I know it’s your deal breaker.”

Zoe rubbed Magic’s chin with her finger. “What are you taking about?”

“You said the night of the blizzard that your soul mate had to be smart, funny, and support your business.” He nodded to Magic. “And must love cats.”

“Cats . . .” She struggled to compute everything he said. He really lost her way back at the rubber chicken. She gave Magic’s head a gentle scratch and set him down. As if the cat knew exactly where he was going, he sauntered toward the kitchen, pushing the door open. “So, you felt the need to bring a cat to me?”

“I had to make sure I’m not allergic.” He set down the purse on the floor and held out his arms. “No itchy redness.”

“Good for you,” she deadpanned. “Donovan, why are you here?”

He came a few steps closer. “Because I should have never left to begin with.”

What?She cocked her to the side, not saying a word.

“I never should have lost it on you like I did. I saw you on that television show rerun, and I tried to make sense of it all.”

“That’s how you found out,” she said, her voice low. The shame she felt last week slammed into her.

“Yeah. I know you’re looking for someone smart, and I’ve been far from it. I was a total idiot. I’d like to make it up to you.”

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